Once Upon a Time... in Hollywood
The brief
Tarantino's most relaxed and sun-soaked film is essentially a hangout movie disguised as a thriller, letting DiCaprio's neurotic fading western star and Pitt's impossibly cool stuntman just exist in meticulously recreated 1969 Hollywood. The first two hours drift by like a lazy afternoon drive down Sunset Boulevard, all vintage cars and radio hits, before Tarantino reminds you in the final act that he's still Tarantino. DiCaprio does his sweaty, self-loathing thing perfectly while Pitt radiates the kind of effortless charisma that makes you understand why movie stars used to be gods. If you loved the chatty, atmospheric stretches of Jackie Brown or just want to luxuriate in peak analog Los Angeles, this one's for you.
The verdict
If you enjoy atmospheric hangout films and can appreciate Tarantino's meticulous recreation of 1969 Hollywood with DiCaprio and Pitt at their best, this sun-soaked epic is essential viewing. If you need constant plot momentum or get restless during long character-driven stretches, the nearly three-hour runtime will test your patience.
Watch with
- 👥 Film buffs who appreciate atmosphere over plot
- ⚠️ Those expecting constant action will be bored
Heads up
- Brief but intense violence in final act (moderate)
- Historical events referenced (Manson murders) (implied)
- Some strong language throughout (moderate)
Credits
- Director
- Quentin Tarantino
- Cast
- Leonardo DiCaprio, Brad Pitt, Margot Robbie, Emile Hirsch, Margaret Qualley, Timothy Olyphant, Julia Butters
Official synopsis
Los Angeles, 1969. TV star Rick Dalton, a struggling actor specializing in westerns, and stuntman Cliff Booth,
The Double
Make a night of it
Pair this with Inherent Vice (2014)
Both are hazy 1970s LA period pieces about Hollywood's dark underbelly.
Total runtime: 2h 42m + 2h 29m = 5h 11m
